Maureen S.

About Maureen

•The styles I teach most often are jazz, classical and popular. Although I have studied many different genres, my specialties are saxophone and composition. I have studied with music teachers such as Anthony Braxton, Herb Pomeroy, Charlie Banacos, Jerry Bergonzi, Gary Burton, Joe Viola, Ken Pullig, John LaPorta, Hal Crook, James Newton and Ken Radnofsky. If you are enrolled by October, you have the opportunity to enroll in MTAC Certificate of Merit and Composer's Today programs and recitals.

97 St. Felicitas School SanLeandro, CA St. John School Fiat School of Music Music Unlimited San Lorenzo, CA Pinole, CA San Leandro, CA Provide individual and group music instruction to people from age 3 to 99. Deliver instruction based on Music Teachers National Association Certificate of Merit Curriculum for Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet and Piano. Incorporate JazzImprovisation, Theory and Harmony lessons

• Listed in Who’s Who Among International Professional Educators. • Listed in Who’s Who in American Education • Listed in Who’s Who Among American Women • Listed in Who’s Who in America • Six Lessons published in • Recognition for Self-Assembly Method Instructional Design Theory • Published article in OnCUE, Journal of Computer Using Educators

• Member Music Educators National Conference • Member Technology Institute for Music Educators. Lesson plan published on their Web Site. • Member California Music Educators and present music technology sessions for educators at the Bay Section Conferences.

• Deliver instruction in the area of the curriculum pertaining to National and District Music Standards. • Create and implement lesson plans, rubrics and assessments. • Organize and produce Winter and Spring Concerts. • Experience working with children with challenging behaviors and disabilities (Special Day Class and Continuation School).

• Provide children with learning experiences that promote their cognitive, social and emotional development. • Experience in teaching students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. • Communicate with parents. Handle record-keeping of grades and attendance. • Work cooperatively with other education professionals.

• Organize and produce Winter and Spring Recitals, including County Recitals for the National Guild of Piano Teachers. Communicate with parents. Handle advertising and record-keeping of tuition payments.  Vice-President of the Alameda County Branch of the Music Teachers Association of California. Attend Board meetings and plan guest speakers  Licensed Kindermusik instructor for children ages 18 mos. to 7 years.  Students chosen for State and County Honors Recitals.  Listed in National Honor Roll, National Guild of Piano Teachers; Member Music Teachers National Association.  Taught Undergraduate Musicianship class as a Graduate Assistant at Mills College.

•Professional Freelance Musician 9/1984  12/1995 Boston, MA; Bay Area, CA Performed own compositions and others works in various styles in innumerable local venues and clubs such as The Oakland Museum, Yerba Buena Gardens, The Valencia Café, Trans America Building, the Marriott Hotel, as well as in Las Vegas. She have performed with musicians such as Vijay Iyer, Anthony Braxton, MCHammer, Luciana Souza, Lloyd Nibbs (Skatalites), Fred Lonberg-Holm,Andy Borger (Norah Jones), Stuart Popejoy, Aaron Stewart, SheilaSofian, William Calhoun (Living Color), Sean Kennerly (Samiam) and Joey Cheezhee. CD Recording on Curious Pogos Records:Frederick Lonberg Holms Theory of Motion.  Composed music on Sheila Sofians Animations Faith and Patience and Secret Rage. Won 15 awards in International and National Film Festivals. Broadcast on WHYY TV12 and WYBE TV35 Educational Stations.  Honorable Mention in Composition: City of Oakland Creative Arts Fellowship.  Live Performances on KPFA, KNBR and KALX radio stations.

•EDUCATION Ph.D. in Education (10/2013). Specialization in Professional Studies Capella University Teaching Credential: K-12 Single Subject Music 8/1999 Chapman University GPA 3.9 US-CA-Concord Master of Fine Arts degree in Electronic Music and Recording Media with an emphasis in Composition 5/1992 Mills College GPA 3.64 US-CA-Oakland Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Composition and Arranging 5/1987 Berklee College of Music US-CA-Boston GPA 3.59 Cum Laude

*** Lesson Details ***I am interested in teaching you what you need and want to learn so that you achieve your dreams. Please note that I only take serious students who will practice at least 30 minutes every day or 35 a day 6 days a week at home. I would like you to keep a log of how much you practice. This will enable you to make progress through the curriculum as you will be a beginner for the first 3.3 years, an intermediate for the next 3.3 years, and then an advanced student for 3.3 years. I will give you assignments to do over the week, and the next week we will go over them, learn something new and get new assignments. It takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert!

*** Studio Equipment ***Currently I am converting my detached garage into a music studio with keyboard and instruments. There is a sitting room where parents can wait for their children. In the meantume, we will have lessons in my living/dining room.

Reviews

Nana December 2, 2016
Piano ·
In studio

Dr. Spranza is one of the best piano teachers in the Bay Area. My two daughters take weekly lessons with her. She encourages them and empowers them to do their best. She teaches them both theory and practicals. They have participated in an informal recital and are now registered to take part in the MTAC Certificate of Merit program.

As parents, we see a big improvement in our daughters' piano playing skills. They even practice on their own, without us telling them to. All thanks to Dr. Spranza.

Jee November 2, 2016
Piano ·
In studio

Maureen Spranza, PhD, is a gifted music teacher. Not only does she teach well, but she is also an accomplished musician. "Ms. Maureen", as we call her, has over 20 years of experience working with students of all levels. She teaches piano, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, flute saxophone, and violin.

My 8 and 10 year old boys both take 30 minutes of weekly piano lessons from Ms Maureen at Music Unlimited in San Leandro. Their instruction includes all facets of learning - from ear training, to technique, to theory. My 8 year old is a beginner and my 10 year old has been playing for 3 years. Her lessons include an optional Certificate of Merit program that "offers performance, development and evaluation opportunities for students". To learn more, visit http://www.mtac.org.

I really appreciate how she encourages participation in recitals throughout the year, which allows her students to perform both informally and formally to other students, teachers, and family.

We are extremely lucky to have found Ms. Maureen!!! The kids are progressing and are having fun learning. They are filling our house with beautiful music. I highly recommend her to piano learners of all ages!

Jennifer February 26, 2016
Trumpet ·
In studio

Maureen has improved my son Nate's trumpet playing immensely. Where before he had some difficulty hitting the high notes, and his playing was somewhat tentative, he now plays with greater confidence and in tune. I noticed his improvement shortly after he started being taught by Maureen - not only as he was going through the scales, but in all the songs he practices now. Being an improved player has had the effect of Nate practicing more now as well. Maureen has taught him the importance of practice, the discipline it takes to improve, and has really developed his interest in the instrument. All this is testament to Maureen's quality as an instructor. I highly recommend her!

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Maureen S.

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Maureen S.

San Leandro, CA 94577

(9)

starting at

$50
/ 30-min

Mack R.

Educated as a band teacher, I am capable o assisting students in perfecting their skills on any of the saxophones .

About Mack

I have a BS in music education received at Lehman College, Bronx, NY. I am a professional musician/ composer/ arranger.I received my teaching credentials at SFSU and have been a General music teacher as well as a, band teacher. I have studied trumpet with Classical ( Wilmer Wise)and Jazz musician (Bill Hardman) and big band arranging with Frank Foster( saxophonist and arranger with Count Basie Band). At present I am retired and teaching privately.

I have been teaching music for over 50 years as well as being a professional musician/ composer and arranger. I not only know my fundamentals ins

ide and out, but also I know many tricks of the trade. Over the years I have developed special teaching techniques that enable students to make sense out of music and progress rapidly on their instruments.I love playing music and aim at stirring that same kind of excitement abut music in my students.

To each lesson I bring a unique mix, encouraging the student to pursue excellence and also have fun. I am well qualified to teach: woodwinds( oboe, flute, clarinet, all saxophones) brass(french horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba), and piano.

*** Lesson Details ***I make music interesting to learn. I encourage students to practice daily so they can improve. The more they improve the more fun they can have with music not only alone, but with others.

I am very patient with my students especially with beginners. I know that for them it is like learning a new language. Once they begin to increase their musical vocabulary, they will enjoy what they can do with music.

*** Travel Equipment ***Students should provide their own instruments.

...

Reviews

Erik F. October 2, 2016
French Horn ·
In studio Verified Student

Mack is a great and patient teacher. Our son was assigned the only French Horn for his middle school beginning band class. We are clueless on how to help him. We found Mack on Takelessons. He got great reviews and lives not too far from us. After the first lesson, our son could play the entire C major scale! He can't wait for his next lesson. Thank you, Mack. We are so lucky to have you.

Cynthia N. September 14, 2016
Piano ·
In home Verified Student

Mac is a very patient and excellent instructor!

Joseph L. August 24, 2016
Trumpet ·
In studio Verified Student

Just one lesson so far but Mack has me moving along with things to study and improve. He has a lot to offer and I very much appreciate his patience.

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Mack R.

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Mack R.

Oakland, CA 94607

(15)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

Joseph C.

I am a graduate of the University of Miami Studio Music & Jazz school with 20 years of professional experience. I have toured internationally and have played in many diverse musical arenas. The past 16 years of my music career have been spent in the bay area playing professionally and teaching privately.

About Joseph

I am a graduate of the University of Miami Studio Music & Jazz school with over 20 years of professional experience. I have toured internationally and have played in many diverse musical arenas. The past 16 years of my music career have been spent in the Bay area playing professionally and teaching privately.

My specialties are in jazz improvisation and music theory. My students range in age from 4 to 60, most being between the ages of 9 and 16. Many of my students attend the Urban School and School of the Arts here in San Francisco. Most of my students are at the top of their class in ban

d and music theory studies and have made the San Francisco All-City Orchestra.

Specific credentials and references are available upon request. All levels welcome, serious students only.

...

Reviews

Sam L. September 11, 2016
Music Theory ·
In studio Verified Student

Joe is great! He really engaged me and I am excited to do my homework and go for my next lesson. Joe made music theory so much fun and super understandable. I can't wait to learn more!

Mish September 2, 2016
Saxophone ·
In studio Verified Student

An amazing instructor, Joseph knew exactly where I was and what I needed to do to get to the next level. His instruction is easy to understand and fun, and extremely effective. I could tell I was improving immediately and was excited to come back and learn more.

Jon July 25, 2016
Saxophone ·
In studio Verified Student

Excellent. Joe is the man. Perfect for any skill level. After my first lesson, I found myself significantly more comfortable playing the sax. Highly recommend taking lessons with Joe.

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Joseph C.

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Joseph C.

San Francisco, CA 94121

(8)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

Brian H.

My lesson style is relaxed, and I want to focus on whatever style of music you are passionate about! Whether it's jazz, rock, Latin, reggae, classical, blues, or r&b, I can give you the tools you need to get up on stage and impress your friends and family!

I feel that every student is different, so I try to gear my lessons keeping that in mind! Within the first few lessons, we will create unique monthly goals together based on your desires and my insight.

About Brian

I am a passionate musician, educator, and friendly human being! :) I have a Bachelors of Music Degree from the University of Oregon in Jazz Saxophone performance and composition, and I'm currently in progress of achieving a masters of fine art in Music Production for visual media. I am a fluid performer and composer in all genres, including jazz, rock, Latin, r&b, classical, etc. Contact me for any further questions or links to my musical works!

...

Reviews

Antonio C. April 11, 2016
Saxophone ·
In home Verified Student

He is a really good teacher!!! Very patient, and very detailed with his explanations. I am enjoying my lessons a lot.

Victor October 13, 2015
Saxophone ·
In home Verified Student

Brian is great! He's very patient, funny and uses a lot of positive reinforcement.
I definitely recommend!

Marlon U. August 25, 2015
Saxophone ·
In home Verified Student

Awesome!

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Brian H.

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Brian H.

Daly City, CA 94014

(6)

starting at

$40
/ 30-min

Rebecca K.

About Rebecca

Hello! I am a classically trained vocalist and percussionist, with a BA in Music, specializing in Education and Theory. I have taught band, choir, orchestra and piano in high school and middle school. I have also done Music Directing with kids aged 7-14 for various musicals and have taught elementary students aged 4-9, so I am ready for whatever you've got! I have also appeared on stage in various settings including opera, musical theater, solo work and even the occasional karaoke night. I am willing to work with your schedule and offer scholarships to those who are willing to earn them!

...

Reviews

Santiago R. November 28, 2016
Piano ·
In studio Verified Student

Best instructor ever. My son loves her.

Damir October 15, 2016
Piano ·
In home Verified Student

Rebecca is patient and fun. My son enjoys his lessons.

David September 24, 2016
Violin ·
In home Verified Student

Rebecca is the best! Teachers teach and learners learn. She has made me an instant learner!!!

Affordable

Effective

Saxophone Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Saxophone instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by Dwight

"After our first online session, I am totally convinced that my prolonged and diligent search for the "very best saxophone instructor" has absolutely led

me to the very best for me. Dr. Carl far exceeds the standards and expectations for which I sought in my new saxophone instructor!

Dwight Baker"

...

Brookings, SD teacher:
Carl S.

Review by Jake

"Great guy, we have used over the years."

Nashville, TN teacher:
Dave L.

Review by Jonathan

"I’ve been a working musician and composer in Los Angeles for the last 20 years. I’ve also spent a good deal of that time teaching piano, so I feel like I

have a pretty good handle on what makes a good music teacher. Still, when I had to find a sax teacher for my son, it wasn’t easy. I knew some really great players, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be good teachers. Luckily, I found Rick. In addition to being an amazing saxophone, flute and clarinet player, he’s an unbelievable teacher. In the first lesson, he did more for my son’s tone than months of lessons had with our previous teacher. He also has his own method of teaching jazz improvisation and it really is amazing. My son is improvising at a really high level and keeps getting better all the time. Rick really gets involved with my son’s progress and he truly gets excited when he excels. The truth is no one deserves a teacher like Rick-you can only hope to get really lucky to find a teacher this good."

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